A trip to Italy is not the only place to enjoy high-quality meals
Oftentimes, spaghetti and pasta come to mind when someone thinks of food that tastes like Italy. Actually, there is much more to discover in the dining experience. Yes, the amazing pasta dishes are a big part, but it’s far from everything an authentic Italian-based restaurant has to offer its patrons.
Pasta dishes seem to highlight the Italy in any establishment that has it on the menu. The Italians are known for making the best marinara and cheese sauces. What better to smother with those sauces than a large plate of perfectly cooked pasta? Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese and garlic bread to enhance the flavors. Breadsticks are a popular choice with all kinds of pastas and salads.
When trying foods of all kinds, try pairing them with a wine or other beverage to bring out the flavors not just at dinner, but in your drink as well. Many servers and bartenders can help you with wine selections that will go perfectly with your chosen dish. For example, white wine can go well with a marinara, while a dark wine enhances the flavor of a cheesy pasta.
Restaurants aren’t just offering pasta dishes with an Italian twist, some will continue the festival of flavors with desserts commonly eaten in the country. Puff pastries and delicate chocolates are favorites among those who enjoy indulging their palate. Ice cream and cannoli are also a very popular choice with many patrons who enjoy desserts.
There is another way to get the spicy food fix so many need. With the reach of the Internet, online stores now specialize in bringing what you crave right to your home. Authentic products that help prepare meals can be ordered and shipped to your door. These sites will most likely have cookbooks to help explain how to get the best flavor from each item.
Some of these online stores ship everything from olive oils and other cooking oils, to pastas and breads, as well as any side dishes and drinks you might find interesting and delicious. There are some that also offer gluten-free and vegetarian versions of their products. Giving a little spice to anyone with a pasta craving.
Having a cookbook that covers Italian cooking and procedures will help you decide what to order from an online store. There are certain techniques and products that may need special attention as to when and how to add them to the recipe. Some pastries and cakes have to be prepared a certain way to make them look good.
These Italian food stores are not very hard to find, just do an online search. Some are even based in Italy, which will ensure that you are receiving authentic products. It can be a bit intimidating trying to choose the right product for you, but most online stores will be happy to answer any questions you have about a certain product or procedure.